Member Spotlight

 

This month, we shine the spotlight on the Nebraska State Bar Foundation (NSBF), which continues to be a leader of philanthropy in Nebraska’s legal community. The Bar Foundation is dedicated to serving the citizens of Nebraska and the legal profession through innovative programs.  

About the Organization

Incorporated in 1963, the Nebraska State Bar Foundation’s mission is to improve the administration of justice and fulfill the American vision of equal justice through funding and administering creative programs. Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, NSBF operates as an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization, driven by the generosity of over 500 lawyers, judges, and legal professionals who volunteer their time and resources annually. Under the leadership of Executive Director Doris Huffman, NSBF organizes and coordinates numerous Civics Education programs for Nebraska students, teachers, attorneys and judges.

Key Programs 

NSBF’s work focuses on Civics Education and professional development, while engaging Nebraskans of all ages. Here are some of their premier programs:

• Advancing Civics Education
  NSBF champions Civics Education to foster informed citizens who contribute positively to their communities. The Judge Lyle Strom High School Mock Trial Program engages high school students in hands-on learning about the legal system, while the Juror Orientation Video helps demystify courtroom procedures for the public. The foundation’s theme, “Advancement of Civics Education,” underscores its commitment to equipping youth and adults with the knowledge and skills to uphold the rule of law.
• Bench Media Committee Outreach
  The Foundation’s Bench Media Committee collaborates with Nebraska courts, lawyers and the media to ensure a professional and positive working relationship.  The Committee offers educational programs for media representatives (broadcasters and newspaper journalists) to better understand the legal system.

• Philanthropic Endeavors
  NSBF has numerous named endowments that underwrite specific programming such as the Roman L. Hruska Institute for the Administration of Justice, the Dan Gross Fund, the Dan Jewell Trial Institute, and the Standing Bear Scholarship. These donor directed funds promote legal education, professional development, and diversity within the legal community, honoring Nebraska’s legal heritage while investing in its future.
• Fellows Program
  The prestigious NSBF Fellows Program recognizes up to 30 outstanding Nebraska attorneys annually for their integrity, professional distinction, and community contributions. Fellows pledge financial support to NSBF, sustaining its mission and building a network of leaders committed to Civics Education.

Recognition

Since its founding, NSBF has made a profound impact on Nebraska’s legal landscape. In 2024, the Bar Foundation was presented with the prestigious Sandra Day O’Connor Award for the Advancement of Civics Education from the National Center for State Courts. This national recognition celebrates the Foundation’s innovative outreach programs, including mock trial, job-shadowing for 5^th graders, and bench media programming that enhance public understanding of the legal system.

NSBF maximizes its resources to underwrite its Civics Education programs that reach numerous Nebraskans annually. Its partnerships with Nebraska’s judiciary and schools statewide strengthen its reach, ensuring that the legal system is transparent to all.

Get Involved

The Nebraska State Bar Foundation thrives on collaboration and volunteerism. Opportunities abound for attorneys to contribute through:

• Volunteering for civics education programs like Mock Trial or Job Shadowing for 5^th Graders.
• Donating to the Foundation to support NSBF’s mission.
• Serving on the Bench Media Committee.

Through its unwavering commitment to civics education, the Nebraska State Bar Foundation continues to inspire and empower Nebraskans statewide.

To learn more about NSBF’s work or to get involved, visit www.nebarfnd.org.